Possible link between rape and sexual assault

Officers have now re-released an e-fit in a bid to catch the offender.

Police are investigating whether a rape by a bogus taxi driver and a sexual assault in a Littleborough alleyway are linked.

Officers have now re-released an e-fit in a bid to catch the offender.

In the first incident, a 52-year-old woman, was on Kiln Lane sometime between 1.00am and 2.30am on Saturday 19 February 2011, and was trying to flag down a taxi when a blue or black large four door vehicle pulled up.

The driver told the woman he was a taxi driver and she got in.

He then drove her to an area thought to be Whitworth Street, near to Milnrow train station, Station Road, Milnrow, and tried to rape her.

In the second incident, a woman was sexually assaulted in Littleborough town centre at about 3am on Monday 28 February 2011.

The offender in both incidents was white, 5ft 8in tall, between 35 and 60 years old, with a chunky/ stocky build, with very short or very closely cropped hair and bad breath.

Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Mallen, of Rochdale CID, said: "We now believe the same offender could be responsible for both incidents and we are continuing to treat this extremely seriously.

“I understand that two incidents of this nature can be worrying for the community. The description for both incidents is broadly similar so we believe they could have been carried out by the same person.

“However, we cannot rule out the possibility that the two are not directly connected. We are continuing to appeal for information for both incidents and are urging people to take another good look at the e-fit.

“We are also continuing to warn the community that residents should take extra precautions.

"I would urge anyone who is out to stay in groups where possible, do not break off on your own and try to avoid short-cuts, keeping to well-lit areas. If you are out try to prearrange taxis to pick you up and drop you off and always let friends or family know where you are at all times."

A 52-year-old man from Rochdale has been arrested and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries until 16 March 2011.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8717 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Rochdale CID on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.